Victory

Victory. It doesn't always have to be a huge one. In the case of people working to overcome serious health issues, the little victories can be and often are the sweetest.

For almost five months, I was unable to turn over on my left side in bed at night. The pain that accompanied this particular movement was enough to make me stop trying.

And then one night, I decided to see if I could accomplish turning over. When I did, I had to smile and give a sigh of relief. To celebrate my achievement, I bought a book I'd wanted for quite a while.

Standing for more than a couple of minutes had become difficult. Even using my walker for support didn't make it any easier. Six weeks after my radiation treatments, I found I was able to stand and visit with people for close on to 10 minutes. This time my celebration took the form of going shopping.

By the time I had traversed a full aisle in the grocery store, I had to stop and sit for a couple of minutes before resuming choosing my groceries. Now I can do my grocery shopping without having to sit down until I reach the checkout counter. Lunch with a friend was my reward.

While visiting with a woman who was taking chemotherapy, she said when she noticed her hair was growing back, she was so happy she bought a new blouse and matching slacks. I could certainly relate to her joy. The first time I had a haircut after losing all my hair, I treated myself with going out to breakfast.

Being able to reduce the amount of pain medication you take is cause for celebration.

There are so many things we take for granted. The taste of our favorite meal or dessert, spending an entire day shopping, being able to drive to a friend's house for a visit, getting to the point of not feeling like 7 or 8 p.m. is bedtime, enjoying once again working on a hobby.

Small things, simple things. But when you've been extremely limited in what you can do or want to do, the joy you experience in the return of your capabilities on the road to recovery is immeasurable.

And never again do you take good health for granted.